www.mimilk.comVol. 97 Issue 12

JuNe 2015

Michigan Milk

Inside

The official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association

Messenger

Also Inside Lab Renovations • Hauler Awards • June Dairy Month

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EDITOR’S LETTER

MMPA MattersJune: A Season of Optimism and Dairy Promise

Quality WatchBeyond Enrollment: Complying with Required FARM Guidelines

News & Views

LegislativeWatch

contentsMichigan Milk Messenger

Managing Editor ......................................................Sheila BurkhardtEditors ......................................Alex Schnabelrauch, Allison StubyAdvertising Manager ...........................................Nancy MuszynskiCirculation .........................................................................................2,972

An Equal Opportunity Employer – F/M/V/D

Michigan Milk Messenger (USPS 345-320) is the official publication of Michigan Milk Producers Association,published monthly since June 1919. Subscriptions: MMPA members, 50¢ per year; non-members, $5 per year.

41310 Bridge Street Telephone: 248-474-6672P.O. Box 8002 FAX: 248-474-0924Novi, MI 48376-8002 www.mimilk.com

Periodical postage paid at Novi, MI and at additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Michigan Milk Messenger,PO Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002.

(ISSN 0026-2315)

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FeaturesNobis Dairy Farms Receives U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award

June Dairy MonthPutting Your Checkoff Dollars to Work

MMPA Novi Lab Undergoes Renovations

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Board of DirectorsOfficers

Ken Nobis, President

Mark Halbert, Vice President

Eric Frahm, Treasurer

Joe Diglio, General Manager/ Secretary

Josep Barenys, Assistant Treasurer

Todd Hoppe, General Counsel

Directors-At-LargeKen Nobis, St. Johns ............................... 989-224-6170 or 248-474-6672, ext. 201Rodney Daniels, Whittemore ...............................................................989-756-4935Dan Javor, Hastings ................................................................................269-948-8345Mark Halbert, Battle Creek .................................................................. 269-964-0511James Reid, Jeddo ..................................................................................810-327-6830

District Directors1. Hank Choate, Cement City ...............................................................517-529-9032 2. Tim Hood, Paw Paw ...........................................................................269-657-57713. David Pyle, Zeeland ...........................................................................616-772-15124. Corby Werth, Alpena .........................................................................989-464-54365. Brent Wilson, Carson City .................................................................989-584-34816. Tony Jandernoa, Fowler ....................................................................989-593-22247. Eric Frahm, Frankenmuth .................................................................989-652-35528. Leonard Brown, Sandusky ...............................................................810-648-4505

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA)

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio.

Cover Departments24 Merchandise

25 Quality Premiums

26 Freeliners

28 Classifieds

29 Policies

30 Market Report

31 Staff

Farmers FirstMMPA Milk Hauler Service Awards

Engage Young Leaders TrainingConnecting with Consumers through Values-Based Messaging

DairyCheckoffResources and Events

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June Dairy Month is an annual reminder of the industry’scontinuous opportunities for promotion, progress andinnovation. Flip through thismonth’s issue for hands-on waysto promote dairy in your local community and a preview of summer dairy events.

Photo credit: Misty Morning Photography,www.misty-morning-photography.com

byKen Nobis President

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June: A Season of Optimism and Dairy Promise

MMPA MATTERS

An article in a recent issue of Wired magazine would grab any dairy producer’s attention…

“Cow Milk Without the Cow is Coming to Change the Food World Forever.”

The author explains this is happening at Counter Culture Labs, a do-it-yourself bio-lab

in Oakland, California. The objective: to hack nature by obtaining mail-order DNA

and tricking yeast cells into producing a substance that’s molecularly identical to milk.

This “milk” would then be turned into vegan “cheese.”

The idea seems farfetched, if for no other reason than I suspect the potential

audience will probably refuse to consume any food containing GMOs. Maybe a true vegan is willing to accept a GMO food as long as it has no relation to an animal. But it hardly seems natural, and consumers are now leaning toward natural food.

This is another confusing example of the dichotomy that exists in the food world today. The number of “experts” suggesting modern food production methods are shortening our lifespans seems to grow each day. Yet the global lifespan keeps extending. After all, not starving to death as a youth gives one the opportunity to die of a disease related to old age.

So much of what we see and hear can be a downer, but it’s important not to let the purveyors of negativism get you down. If you’ve stuck with me and haven’t tossed the magazine already, let’s turn to some sources for optimism in the dairy business. After all, this is June, the month during which we celebrate the goodness of dairy foods.

by few in quality. The superior quality of MMPA milk definitely helps our team sell our members’ milk.

MMPA members can’t rest on their laurels, of course. We can and will continue to improve our quality; even the best can get better. We will also rise to meet the challenges from our customers regarding animal care and sustainability practices. MMPA strives to keep these requests as reasonable as possible so that it is not impractical for our members to comply.

Even though a bio-lab is trying to hack nature to create something that tastes like cheese – reports show the hardest animal-related food for a vegan to give up is cheese – keep in mind the progression of butter. What was once the plague of the planet in the 1970s is considered a healthy food today with a 37 percent consumption growth since 1998. I’m headed for an ice cream cone myself.

In spite of negative comments in the printed news and on the Internet, dairy consumption has remained stable in the 21st century. Domestic consumption has stayed around 600 to 610 pounds per capita. Cheese, yogurt and butter consumption have increased. Fluid consumption continues to drop, but with lower prices this year, we could even see a jump there. Total domestic consumption gains have been realized as a result of population increases.

Global dairy consumption is increasing. The number of people surviving on $1 or less per day is at a historical low. Because dairy is a nutrient-dense foodstuff, it fits the bill as a protein source for a population seeking to improve its diet. As global incomes increase, the quality of the diet grows, too.

The U.S. dairy industry stands to gain a lion’s share of the global increase in dairy consumption. We have a very efficient dairy industry, we produce year-around and we have the land mass and other resources to meet global demand. We also produce a very high quality product on our farms in the U.S., and MMPA members are matched

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byLindsay Green Member Representative

Beyond Enrollment:Complying with Required FARM Guidelines

QUALITY WATCH

Enrollment in the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program is now mandatory for MMPA members. In addition to enrollment, there are also certain program guidelines that are getting specific attention from our customers.

Signed Employee Code of Conduct Every employee must agree – in writing – to the farm’s animal care guidelines and promise to uphold high standards of animal treatment. This agreement must be kept on file at the farm. We recommend using the Center for Food Integrity’s “See It, Stop It” Program (www.seeitstopit.org.) Keep in mind: employees are considered to be any person not listed on the milk contract as an owner (including family members) who cares for or works around the animals.

Annual Employee TrainingProducers must provide annual training for all employees and keep some form of record of training, including a log of who conducted the training, who attended, the topic and date which training occurred. MMPA Milker Training Schools, MMPA/Land O’Lakes Calf Care Schools and MMPA/Merck Animal Health Dairy CARE Workshops all fulfill this requirement. More training resources are in

development and will be publicized in future issues of the Messenger.

Painful ProceduresSome of the most sensitive farm procedures have specific guidelines related to timing and methodology. These include:

• Disbudding/dehorningmustbedone prior to 8 weeks of age except for rare exceptions. Consult your veterinarian for best options and pain management protocols.

• Removalofsupernumeraryteats(extra teats) should be done after consulting your veterinarian for best practices and pain management.

• Taildockingmustbediscontinuedon all member farms by December 2016.

The MMPA field staff is working to develop tools and resources to make this process easier. For example, we plan to provide an area on the MMPA website to house training videos for employees, SOP templates and other animal care information to keep you up to date. It’s our goal to ease the process of meeting these critical guidelines. As these resources become available, we will relay their location to all members and explain how you can put them to work on your farm.

T he FARM programincludes critical guidelines our processor customers

have mandated to be in place on all member farms. All farms must adhere to these practices to ensure a market for their milk. Member representatives will be working with our farms to ensure not only enrollment in FARM, but compliance with the critical guidelines. These guidelines include:

Written Herd Health Plan (HHP) This is an overview or story of the day-to-day operation of your farm. It includes everything from biosecurity processes to animal care procedures.

Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)These are the step-by-step directions for ALL animal care tasks on farm. These include, but are not limited to:• Milkingprocedure• Stockmanship/cattlemovement• Calfprocessing(feeding,dipping

navels, dehorning, castration, extra teat removal, etc.)

• Feedandwatermanagementfor all animals

• Non-ambulatory/downcow movement

• Sickcowcare• Vaccinationprotocols• Treatmentprotocols• Calvingprotocol• Lamenessprotocol• Euthanasia

Visit the reference websites listed below for training videos, example HHP and SOPs and employee codes of conduct.

National Dairy FARM Program: www.nationaldairyfarm.com

“See it, Stop it” Program: www.seeitstopit.org

Dairy CARE 365 (Merck Animal Health): www.dairycare365.com

As always, feel free to contact your member representative with any questions or concerns. Thanks for your help reaching 100 percent National Dairy FARM enrollment by the end of the year.

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nEWS & vIEWS

MMPA Welcomes Allison Stuby

The MMPA Member Relations team recently added Allison Stuby as the new communications coordinator. Allison will be writing and editing the Michigan Milk Messenger, working on social media and assisting with other MMPA communications efforts. She is a recent Michigan State University (MSU) graduate and comes to MMPA after internships with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

Allison grew up in Grand Rapids, but enjoyed her childhood visits to the Stuby family centennial farm in St. Joseph County. Those experiences brought her to MDARD, where she interned with both the international marketing and the grape and wine programs to serve their marketing and communications needs. As part of her work at MDARD, Allison managed the Flavors of Pure Michigan public relations campaign to promote culinary and agricultural tourism to consumers.

Allison worked at MSU in several departments including the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation and the Environmental Science and Policy Program (ESPP). She was honored with the Outstanding Service Award from ESPP and named an Outstanding Student Employee by MSU. She also interned with the Michigan House of Representatives. Allison was a member of the Honors College and the Public Relations Student Society of America. She traveled to New Zealand on a food systems study abroad program.

Allison looks forward to serving the dairy industry in order to capture the passion and drive of Michigan’s dedicated dairy farmers in engaging stories.

Dairy Market Challenges ContinueThe USDA reported April’s Federal Order Class III price is $15.81/cwt., up 25 cents from March, but $8.50 below April 2014. The April Class IV price is $13.51, down 29 cents from March, and $9.83 below a year ago.

Call for Nominations: IDP Dairy Princess ContestantIndiana Dairy Producers (IDP) would like to sponsor a young lady between the ages of 16 and 21 for the 2015 Dairy Princess Contest. The deadline to submit a candidate is June 21, and the contest will be held on July 28. Please contact Doug Leman at 317-695-8228 if you have a daughter, granddaughter or know someone who may be interested in this opportunity. The title includes a scholarship and provides promotion opportunities for the winner.

Producers Scoring 95 percent or more on Grade A Surveys and Federal Check RatingsLarry / Karen Adams Ronald Brinks William Byler Mark Diemer Joel EnszFriesen Legacy Farm LLC  H & K Dairy LLC  Troy Haynes House Dairy LLC  Ryan Litwiller Jared LitwillerHarry / Karolyn Martin*Joseph Miller Rudvan Family Farms LLC  Slavik Farms Richard WardinMark Yoder*Zuiderveen Farms  

*100 percent

Michigan Innovationsin Agriculture 2015 Farm Tour:

What’s new With PooTuesday, August 18, 2015

Providence Agriculture9650 Roosevelt Road, Carson City, MI 48811

Registration and Welcome at 8:15 a.m.

Tour Features:Vanderploeg Dairy » Manure separation

Double Eagle Dairy » Manure processing and handling

Nobis Dairy » Harvestable buffers

Dutch Meadows Dairy » Manure, cover crops & feed

LiMited spAce—RegistRAtion is RequiRed

More information available at:http://events.anr.msu.edu/wnwp15/

MMPA Advisory Committee

District OneArt Riske, Hanover ........................................................ 517-524-6015Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH ........................................ 419-452-6764Jeff Alexander, Sand Lake ........................................... 517-563-8729Perry Cisco, Hudson ..................................................... 517-404-7997Carlton Evans, Litchfield ............................................. 517-398-0629

District TwoRichard Thomas, Middlebury, IN ............................... 574-825-5198Donald Bever, Delton .................................................. 269-671-5050Jim Droscha, Charlotte ................................................ 517-543-5577Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN ................................. 574-825-2454Danny Ransler, Gobles ................................................ 269-628-4218

District ThreeBurke Larsen, Scottville ............................................... 231-757-2090Bill Stakenas, Freesoil .................................................. 231-757-9340Gary Nelsen, Grant ....................................................... 231-834-7610Tim Butler, Sand Lake .................................................. 616-636-8567Nico Eadie, Conklin ...................................................... 616-550-4041

District FourDave Folkersma, Rudyard ........................................... 906-478-3023Steve Brock, Daggett ................................................... 906-753-6439Ron Lucas, Posen .......................................................... 989-379-4694Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth......................................... 231-588-6084Jeremy Werth, Herron ................................................. 989-464-4022

District FiveTom Jeppesen, Stanton............................................... 989-762-5399Bruce Benthem, McBain .............................................. 231-825-8182Amy Martin, Leroy ........................................................ 231-388-0496Mike Rasmussen, Edmore ........................................... 989-762-5380Bill Jernstadt, Big Rapids ............................................ 231-796-4650

District SixKris Wardin, St. Johns................................................... 989-640-9420Aaron Gasper, Lowell ................................................... 616-897-2747Steve Thelen, Fowler .................................................... 989-640-1075 David Reed, Owosso .................................................... 989-723-2023Jamie Meyer, Ionia ....................................................... 989-640-3372

District SevenEric Bergdolt, Vassar .................................................... 989-652-6500Steve Foley, Millington ................................................ 989-871-4028Rod Fowler, Chesaning ................................................ 989-845-6131John Bennett, Prescott ................................................ 989-345-4264Scott Kleinhardt, Clare ................................................ 989-386-8037

District EightMike Bender, Croswell ................................................. 810-679-4782Scott Lamb, Jeddo ........................................................ 810-404-8003Mike Noll, Croswell ....................................................... 810-404-4071Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing............................................. 989-883-3249Dale Phillips, Marlette ................................................. 989-635-7917

At-LargeMark Crandall, Battle Creek........................................ 269-660-2229Tom Wing, Bellevue ...................................................... 269-660-0498Bill Blumerich, Berlin ................................................... 810-395-2926Chuck White, Fowlerville ............................................ 517-521-3564

Upcoming Events

June 2015

17-18 MMPA 4-H Milk Marketing Tour – Novi

30 Advisory Committee Meeting – Novi

July 2015

20-24 Michigan Dairy Expo – Lansing

22 Great Dairy Adventure –

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Annual Testing in Bovine TB Area Finds Infected HerdRoutine bovine tuberculosis (TB) surveillance testing conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently confirmed a medium size dairy herd as bovine TB positive in Alpena County. This is the 61st herd found in Michigan with bovine TB since 1998. Bovine TB is an infectious bacterial disease that affects cattle and white-tailed deer in Michigan’s northeastern Lower Peninsula.

“Finding TB in a herd is always hard on the impacted farm. This case underscores why annual testing is so important and why we collectively continue to work toward eradicating this disease,” Dr. Rick Smith, assistant state veterinarian, said.

Annual surveillance testing is designed to catch disease in the very earliest stages. Michigan has a small area where TB is endemic in the deer herd. In order to prevent it from spreading to other farms, each herd must undergo annual testing and any additional movement off a farm must include a TB test within 30 days before movement. All cattle in Michigan must also have electronic identification eartags before they may move from the farm. Electronic identification allows MDARD to trace cattle and control the spread of disease in the event of an investigation.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

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LEGISLATIvE WATCH

Capitol Hill Briefing Focuses on Role of Milk in Child nutrition Programs

ACapitol Hill briefing for House staff on April 28 focused on a new report on

“Fluid Milk in School Programs” by the National Dairy Council. It was hosted by Representative G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) in the House Committee on Agriculture. The National Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association strongly support the National Dairy Council’s report and helped coordinate the briefing.

The report identified declining milk consumption in schools as a concern because of the nutritional importance of milk in children’s diets. The majority of school-aged children do not meet current government dietary recommended intakes for low-fat and fat-free milk and dairy products. With Congress set to reauthorize school nutrition programs this year, this report will provide members of Congress with the information they need to ensure school children continue to have access to healthy and nutritious dairy products.

“The decline in milk consumption is worrisome because it is difficult to replace the nutrient package found in milk with other foods without adding extra calories and cost,” Jean Ragalie-Carr, RD, president of the National Dairy Council, told briefing participants. She discussed the role of fluid milk in school meal programs and outlined the opportunity for improved child nutrition through increased milk consumption.

Robert Murray, M.D., professor of human nutrition at The Ohio State University, emphasized the importance

As the Obama administration continues its work on the next set of dietary guidelines, preliminary findings by the committee charged with drafting the DGA have already demonstrated strong support for continued consumption of dairy products. The school milk report provides background information on numerous USDA programs that include milk, as well as identifies the challenges to maintaining and expanding milk consumption to achieve recommended dietary guidelines.

of milk as a component of a healthy diet. “People must think in terms of the whole food pattern, not just individual nutrients,” he said.

Milk is the leading source of nine essential nutrients for children 2-18 years old. Milk also includes eight grams of protein in each eight-ounce serving.

School meals are designed to provide foods recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), including low fat and fat free milk.

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Capitol Hill Briefing Focuses on Role of Milk in Child nutrition Programs

MMPA nobis Dairy Farms Receives U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award

M ichigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) member Nobis Dairy

Farms was announced on May 7, 2015 as one of seven U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award recipientsat a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“We were honored to receive this award and showcase the practical ways many dairy farmers are taking great care of the land, animals and resources they manage. We do our best to produce good, safe food in a way that’s environmentally, socially and economically responsible. We are happy to share our story with consumers and other farmers,” Nobis Dairy Farms co-owner Larry Nobis said.

The award program recognizes outstanding dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for practices that promote the health and well-being of consumers, communities, cows, employees, the planet and business.

Based in St. Johns, Michigan, Nobis Dairy Farms earned national

attention for its sustainability efforts, including erosion prevention, field testing for efficient nutrient management, and cow comfortand health improvements. Thefarm has adjusted its waste management system to maximize nutrient management and sand recyclability while decreasing the fuel and labor needed.

“The goal on our farm has always been about continuous improvement in all aspects of our operation,” MMPA President and Nobis Dairy Farms co-owner Ken Nobis said. “Little did we know that our goal would fit so naturally with today’s concept of a sustainable business model. We are proud to lead a new generation of farmers who are willing to tell the world about the many beneficial practices they utilize every day on their farms.”

The fourth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards recognize and honor outstanding dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for

socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound practices. These practices, large and small, are steps that add up to promote the health and well-being of consumers, communities, cows, employees, the planet and business.

An independent panel of judges – which included experts working with and through the dairy industry – also assessed the potential for adoption by others, demonstrated learning, innovation, improvement and scalability.

Larry (left) and Ken (right) Nobis, co-owners of Nobis Dairy Farms in St. Johns, were recently recognized for their sustainability efforts at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Carpenter Farms is a fourth

generation cash crop and

cow/calf operation. In 2007,

the Carpenter family added

a greenhouse and became

a seasonal agri-tourism

business with a corn maze,

indoor straw maze, hay rides

and farm animal petting zoo.

Focused on education, they use one of their most

popular attractions – the hay ride – to show visitors

their crops and animals, explaining the technology

and sustainable practices they use on a daily basis.

Capitalizing off the farm’s popularity with the city

residents, MMPA Dairy Communicator Joy Marvin

has voluntarily manned a booth at the farm one

weekend for the past four years to help promote

the nutrition of dairy.

DAIRy OuTREACH: In 2014, Joy applied for a

UDIM Dairy Promotion Grant to provide ice cream

for all of the pumpkin farm’s customers. She uses

a dairy-themed game to entice families to learn

more about cows, milk and the industry and spark

further conversation. Joy also distributes additional

information using the free handouts available

through UDIM.

“We’ve provided dairy activities and treats to people

visiting the pumpkin farm for four years now. The

UDIM grants are very easy to fill out – there’s nothing

to it,” Joy attests. “Each month, we see that money

deducted for promotions, and I’m glad to use some of

those funds to support an event I see as important.”

Carpenter’s Pumpkin FarmWeekend Dairy Promotion

october WeekendCarpenter’s Pumpkin Farm, Adrian

500 participants, mostly urban residents

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Putting Your CheckoffDollarsto WorkSince the 1980s, dairy farmers have invested in local and nationwide dairy promotions efforts through the dairy checkoff. A portion of those dollars are returning back to dairy farming communities by funding grassroots dairy outreach thanks to United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) Dairy Promotion Grants and Fuel Up to Play 60 Grants.

Take a look at some of the creative ways MMPA members are putting their checkoff dollars to work, and apply for up to $1,500 of dairy promotional products and materials today!

To learn more about the UDIM Dairy Promotion Grant or to

apply online, visit www.milkmeansmore.org and select the

“For Dairy Producers” tab. Producers may also apply over

the phone by calling 1-800-241-6455.

Means MoreUnited Dairy Industry of Michigan

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In an attempt to recreate the Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) Ford Field experience, students met at the Frankenmuth Corn Maze on Weiss Centennial Farm for a mini-summit. The students planned an agenda for the day: hot oatmeal breakfast buffet, presentation from Michigan’s 2013 FUTP60 representative, farm-themed obstacle course, races through the corn maze, FUTP60 activity brainstorming session, walking tacos lunch, hayride and dairy farm tour. From an obstacle course complete with round bale climbing and feed sack races to a hands-on introduction farm’s Lely robotic milker and calves, the students received a behind-the-scenes farm tour while planning ways to include dairy and nutrition education in their school curriculum.

DAIRy OuTREACH: The mini-summit kicked off with oatmeal (made with milk) and an assortment of healthy mix-in toppings. Students used vegetables they planted in a “pizza garden” and plenty of cheese for walking tacos and wrapped up lunch with an ice cream sandwich. Student left with plenty of dairy take-home items thanks to UDIM and MMPA. 

“This promotion could help promote FUTP60 participation

in your local community. It is doable on many farms

– just think of how farm kids play all day,” Joanmarie

Weiss, MMPA Dairy Communicator, says. “Everyone said

it was a really fun, really educational, really worthwhile

day. That’s what we want all our guests at Weiss

Centennial Farm to say!”

Annually, the Barry County Farm Bureau invites all of the community’s third graders to Hastings for a day of agriculture education – Ag Awareness Day. From bee keepers to sheep shearers, large animal veterinarians to dairy farmers, students spent the day traveling station to station learning about the state’s diverse agriculture industry. Each station hit on some of the common core standards (education benchmarks) making the day an educational and fun opportunity for local youth.

Using the existing event as a chance to promote dairy, MMPA Dairy Communicators Heather Wing and Sally Bivens worked to incorporate both dairy products and information.

DAIRy OuTREACH: One of the highlights of the day, each student, chaperone and volunteer received an ice cream treat at lunch, sponsored by one of Heather’s UDIM Dairy Promotion Grants. Sally headed up the dairy education station,letting students pet calves, touch and smell TMR and learn about dairy in a fun, fast-paced setting. In the past, students have also had the chance to see a robotic milker and ultrasound machine in action.

“It’s so much easier to use an event that’s already

been planned as a venue for dairy outreach than to

try to recreate the wheel. Dairy promotion is less

daunting when you don’t have to spend time finding

a location and trying to get people to participate,”

Heather relays.

Fuel Up to Play 60Farm Mini-Summit

october 17, 2014Weiss Centennial Farm and

Frankenmuth Corn Maze, Frankenmuth27 students, 7 adults

Barry County Farm BureauAg Awareness Day

May 15, 2015Barry County expo Center

and Fairgrounds, Hastings630 participants

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MMPA Novi Laboratory Undergoes RenovationsBy Allison Stuby

A fter 28 years analyzing member milk, the Novi laboratory has received a major facelift. The laboratory is an integral component of MMPA operations that tests and

analyzes milk samples every day.

When the laboratory was originally designed and built, MMPA had more members, ran fewer tests per farm, analyzed fewer samples and operated with more employees. With the shifting expectations of MMPA members and customers and an all-time high milk volume, the laboratory was in need of various improvements to keep up with changes.

“The renovations to the milk testing laboratory were a needed improvement to MMPA services that will improve efficiency and enable us to adapt to growth in the future,” Director of Member Services Dean Letter said. “The fact that our laboratory facilities have operated without a major renovation since we moved to the Novi location is a testament to its care.”

The planning phase began in early 2014 with discussions about renovation needs and the process management. In August 2014, a workflow assessment was conducted to understand how the laboratory operated and how to optimize the design for maximized efficiency. The renovations required board approval, and construction began in January.

“We are completing the project under budget and with the guidance of expert advice,” Letter added. “We called upon an outside organization to assess our operations and sought input from our laboratory technicians to develop a solid plan to improve.”

The renovation was broken into several phases to allow the laboratory to continue most of its normal operations. Technicians continued to test member milk samples during the process.

“We strategically scheduled renovations in small increments to maintain testing continuity. The goal was to provide our MMPA members with timely, accurate results throughout the process without experiencing

interruptions,” Laboratory Supervisor Patti Huttula said.

The largest improvements to the laboratory include a new MilkoScan, a software upgrade to the somatic cell testing instrument and a new BactoScan. These components of the laboratory are vital to daily operations and will increase throughput. A new milk sample waterbath was also incorporated into the plan to accommodate the increased testing speed of the CombiFoss. Cabinets, countertops and customized sinks were also included in the renovation.

“We replaced our 13-year-old BactoScan with a newer version that will increase speed and thus increase throughput per hour. This allows us to accommodate different conditions and frees up time to devote to other tasks in the laboratory,” Huttula said.

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Pictured above: The Novi laboratory is home to a new MilkoScan and upgraded the software on the somatic cell counting instrument to increase throughput.

Pictured to the right: MMPA laboratory technicians, including Theresa Farmer (left) and Annette Vasquez (right), continued testing member milk throughout the renovation process.

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The BactoScan measures the quality of milk by analyzing bacteria from raw milk samples.

The component testing instrument, CombiFoss, is comprised of the MilkoScan and somatic cell counting instrument. They are two separate devices working together to extract a breadth of information including butterfat, protein, other solids, Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) and somatic cell count from the same sample.

The MilkoScan was completely replaced and the somatic cell counting instrument received a software upgrade to match the efficiency of the new MilkoScan. The old MilkoScan was nine years old and analyzed over 3 million samples in its tenure.

Timing is very important in the laboratory, especially with the CombiFoss and it is crucial the two instruments worked at the same pace. The new software upgrade increased the testing capabilities of the older equipment to match the speed of the MilkoScan. Now technicians can run approximately 550 samples per hour, a 100 sample increase from previous throughput.

The laboratory improvements enable MMPA to prepare for future customer requirements and keep up with the pace of the dairy industry to achieve optimal marketability. Over the years, the laboratory has added new milk sample tests to the list of services to accommodate members and customers. The laboratory renovations were designed to better accommodate MMPA’s current testing needs and allow for potential growth in laboratory services.

The laboratory is certified to perform state mandated tests including well water, somatic cell count, drug residue and (raw) bacteria testing. They perform the monthly official test as required under the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) to maintain a members’ Grade A status – with a goal of testing every producer one randomly-selected day a month. The official test is comprised of a bacteria, drug residue and somatic cell count test. A portion of the member’s premium is based off of the bacteria result.

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the state’s largest annual dairy event, the Michigan Dairy Expo, a five-day event that brings together young people from across the state to compete in breed shows and showmanship contests; vie for awards in dairy cattle evaluation, quiz bowls and management contests; network with friends and industry colleagues; and celebrate the dairy industry. 

MMPA members interested in volunteering at this year’s Great Dairy Adventure may contact Alex Schnabelrauch by calling 248-474-6672, ext. 211 or emailing her at aschnabelrauch@mimilk.com.

The 18th annual Great Dairy Adventure consumer education

day is scheduled for July 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan State University (MSU) Agriculture and Livestock Pavilion in East Lansing. The theme for this year’s free event revolves around teaching attendees about the steps involved with getting milk from the farm to their table.

Youth of all ages and their families and caregivers will be able to interact directly with producers and dairy industry experts and have a chance to ask questions about how milk is produced and then processed into several types of dairy products. Numerous activities will be presented, including hand-milking a dairy cow, petting calves, creating crafts, experimenting with dairy recipes and autograph-signing with MSU student athletes. Students from the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine will be offering hands-on sessions with cows, and attendees will be able to enjoy free samples of several types of dairy foods.

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vOLUnTEERS STILL nEEDED TO HELP WITH THIS YEAR’S EvEnT!

Top: Great Dairy Adventure attendees are able to interact with calves and follow milk from cow to cup during the day-long educational event.

Bottom: A volunteer helps a child hand milk a cow at last year’s Great Dairy Adventure.

Great Dairy Adventure at MSU to Teach Consumers about How Milk Gets from Cow to CupvOLUnTEERS

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It’s Time to Change the Conversation“We’re feeding the world” is a mantra often used by those involved in farming and food to build support for modern food production systems. However, the latest research from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) shows that most consumers don’t seem to care.

“The global population is forecast to reach 9 billion by 2050. Feeding the 9 billion will require technology and innovation that will help farmers raise more animals for food and grow more crops on the land already in production,” Charlie Arnot, CEO of CFI, said. “But the ‘feeding the world’ message won’t generate public support for today’s agriculture technology.”

In fact, the latest research from CFI shows only 25 percent of consumers believe “the U.S. has a responsibility to provide food for the rest of the world.”

“It’s time to change the conversation,” Arnot said.

What consumers care about most, according to the survey, is having access to healthy, affordable food. For the last two years, that’s been a top concern.

“U.S. consumers are much more interested in access to healthy, affordable food than in feeding the world,” Arnot said. “Farmers are more likely to build support for today’s farming by talking about how what they do on the farm helps keep healthy food affordable.”

For example, share with them how modern farming innovations like  genetically modified seed and indoor animal handling systems allow farmers to produce safe food using fewer resources, with the added benefit of holding down costs, he said.

“Building trusting relationships with consumers is about making what you’re doing relevant to them and helping them understand you share their values when it comes to important issues like animal care, the environment and providing healthy, affordable food, ” Arnot said.

“Helping consumers understand you value what’s important to them goes a long way toward building trust.”

A summary of the CFI research, “Cracking the Code on Food Issues: Insights from Moms, Millennials and Foodies,” can be downloaded at www.foodintegrity.org. Contact CFI at learnmore@foodintegrity.org.

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Whether a snowy winter day, warm summer night or Christmas morning, 45-year MMPA milk haulers Hank and Louise Northrop live by the mantra: no matter what, the milk has to be picked up.

“There were days where I’d get up extra early to plow out my farms before starting my milk route,” Hank recalls. “Our farmers have and will continue to come first.”

In partnership with their children, Kim and Chuck, the Marlette-based Northrop Trucking team has survived the ups and downs of the dairy market equipped with experience, a smile and a can-do attitude.

In His Blood

A third generation hauler, Hank began picking up milk with his father and grandfather in can trucks like the one above. In 1975, Hank married Louise, and in 1979 the couple formed their own business – Northrop Trucking.

“The man has thought of nothing but milk since he started hauling when he was 16,” Louise smiles. “It’s in his blood. It’s what he knows, and it’s what he loves.”

While it takes mere minutes to pick up on the Northrops‘ passion for serving dairy farmers, the early years were far from easy. Hank and Louise both juggled 70-90 hour

work weeks hauling milk while balancing the responsibilities of raising a young family.

Yet, the Northrops put their entire lives into the family business, progressing from the early struggles of startup costs to owning high quality equipment and growing with the farmers on their route.

Northrop Trucking runs six trucks every day, picking up milk from 11 farms in Sanilac, Huron, Midland and Tuscola counties. When asked why he’s stayed in the milk hauling business, Hank says, “I love working with farmers, and I would do it all over again.”

Farmers First: A Milk HaulerTribute

Family Windshield TimeOn Christmas morning, the Northrop children had two options. One: get up at 3 a.m. to open presents. Or two: wait until after mom and dad returned from dropping milk off at the dairy.

“The kids spent a lot of time in the cab of the truck, riding along to farms and the dairies. They never wanted to call in sick to school because that meant a day riding along in the milk truck,” Louise says. “But they loved going to the farms, especially when the farmers would come out to talk with a handful of candy. Those are some of my favorite memories – talking with and getting to know our farmers.”

Both Hank and Louise affirm their favorite part of their milk hauling tenure has been watching the families on their farms grow up and start families of their own. From weddings to nights out dancing, they are most grateful to call many of their customers, friends.

“We’ve had some great producers over the years, and two of our farms my father picked up back in 1967. It’s the people we serve and the people who work for us that set us apart,” Hank adds. “We’ve worked hard, but our success also comes from having high quality farmers and reliable employees.”

Bigger Farms, Fewer Stops

Even though the Northrops have been a steady force in the thumb milk hauling business for decades, the dairy business they started working in 45 years ago looks far different from the market of today.

“Farms are a lot bigger than they used to be. We used to travel 100 miles and make 22 stops to fill up our 45,000 pound truck. Now we have one farm that fills up two to three 100,000 pound trucks a day on their own,” Hank explains. “There are fewer farms and plants than when we started hauling.”

While the number of stops have decreased over the years, the volume of milk has and continues to grow. Even as a moderately sized business, with only three non-family employees, the Northrops have managed to grow with their farmers while continuing to provide the personalized service of a family owned and operated company.

Mark Gentner, MMPA member, adds, “The Northrops have been our milk haulers for 20 years, and they haven’t missed a day yet. Snow or rain, no matter the weather, they are here and do a great job. That’s why we’ve stuck with them all of these years.”

And the next generation is following in their parents’ footsteps.

“Our parents have built a wonderful business,

and we will continue to serve our farmers for

many years to come,” Kim and Chuck affirm.

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2015 Milk Hauler Awardsthe following milk haulers were recognized at the spring hauler meetings for their service to MMpA. congratulations and thank you for your years of continuous service!

LifetimeAndy Faist david Faist

45 YearsHerbert gerstenbergernorman MaxsonHank northrop

40 YearsJoe Jackson Bruce potter

35 YearsBrad carpenterMike HebelerJohn p. pavlik

30 YearsRodney gruss

25 YearsBryan LaLoneJason MccartyJames Wong

20 YearsRonald Howarddean normanclinton swille

15 YearsJeff Ahrensdennis Andristpaul nottinghamKyle taylor

10 YearsJeanna Beecham steven Heyboer timothy Heyboer douglas staples tom WiseMilk hauling is a family business for the Northrops. Pictured on the opposite page:

Kim Day; Louise, Hank and Chuck Northrop; and Lucas Day.

Engage Young LeadersConnecting with Consumers through ValuesBy Allison Stuby

Trust. Knowledge. Tradition. Family.

Each individual—farmers and consumers alike—have values that drive the decisions they make and how they view the world.

“What values drive you in your role in agriculture and food production?” The Center for Food Integrity’s Jana McGuire challenged 33 high school and college students at an Engage Young Leaders training session on April 25 at NorthStar Cooperative headquarters in Lansing. “Do you communicate these values in your conversations?”

The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) offers this hands-on program to equip high school and college students with the tools to respond to consumer concerns about America’s food systems using a values-based approach. At the training session, Abby Strawder joined McGuire to educate young leaders on the power of shared values, handling one-on-one conversations, effective media messaging and strategies for online engagement.

According to CFI research, communicating with values is the key to connecting with consumers and building trust. Sharing values in conversations about food and agriculture is an important skill for young leaders in the agriculture industry.

“Values messages are short, but they resonate with people. Consumers are looking to learn from someone who shares their values. If you incorporate your values into your conversations, you can help build trust and address their real concerns. We want to listen to someone who is like us—that’s whom we trust the most,” McGuire instructed.

Too often in a conversation, those in farming and food production first try to educate by talking about science and economics; however, Strawder and McGuire said shared values are the key to effective engagement.

CFI focus group research found consumers perceive large farms as over 100 animals and 100 acres,

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and thus value-based messaging is needed to communicate and build consumer confidence. Consumers are not always aware 97.6 percent of farms in America are family-owned.

“Our consumer research tells us that while some consumers say they don’t trust big agriculture, size isn’t an issue if consumers understand that you share their priorities of quality animal care, safe food and environmental stewardship,” Strawder said.

Through hand-on activities, the students learned to share how agriculture empowers their families and what they care about with consumers. These are values farmers and the young leaders can use to drive conversations that build credibility and trust.

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Strawder detailed three

steps to effective values-

based engagement:

1. Listen without judgement and with the intent to understand. It’s the first

step in determining values you share.

2. Ask questions to clarify their perspective and to

show you’re willing to commit to a meaningful conversation and to help better understand their values and views. Acknowledge their concerns.

3. Share your values, your story and your perspective of the issue.

High school and college students practiced lessons learned at the Engage Young Leaders training during hands on activities. Bottom left: Abby Strawder of the Center for Food Integrity taught students how to implement values messaging when communicating with consumers about the food and agriculture industry.

“The goal is to find a middle point to connect with someone,” Strawder added. “You will not always be able to engage. There are times when your values won’t align. If that person does not recognize your ethical right to be involved in farming, then respectively agree to disagree and walk away from that conversation.”

Ultimately, Engage Young Leaders emphasized the importance of finding shared values and sharing credible information in an easily digestible method. “At CFI, we champion choice,” McGuire said. “Our goal is to help consumers make informed choices and truly understand the agriculture industry in America. We have to embrace consumer skepticism and be willing to engage in those sometimes uncomfortable conversations.”

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United Dairy Industry of Michigan Grants,Events and Resources Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink Grant

Your high school athletes could be the next Michigan Chocolate Milk Mustache Celebrities and win FREE milk for a season with this grant offer from United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). If your high school athletes aren’t powering up with low-fat chocolate milk, then this is great opportunity to get started! Chocolate milk is ‘Nature’s Sports Drink’ and provides many important nutrients needed for overall health including calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein. UDIM is now accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year. Application and additional information is available at: www.milkmeansmore.org/schools/grant-information.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Funds

Fuel Up to Play 60 funding opportunities are available to any qualified K-12 school enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. This competitive, nationwide funding program offers the opportunity for schools to apply for up to $4,000 each school year to jumpstart or maintain healthy changes. Eligible schools are enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60,

have at least one adult signed up as a program advisor and are also enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. The two rounds of funding applications are due June 16, 2015 and November 4, 2015.  Applications must be submitted through your school’s dashboard on the Fuel Up to Play 60 website. More information is available at: school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/introduction.php.

#MilkMeansMore Twitter Party

UDIM is hosting a #MilkMeansMore Twitter party June 10 at 8 p.m. to celebrate June Dairy Month and the 100th anniversary of the National Dairy Council. Join UDIM, Michigan food bloggers and consumers as they discuss the health benefits of including dairy in the diet, swap favorite recipes and share nutrition tips. Join the conversation using the hashtag #MilkMeansMore, and follow @MilkMeansMore on Twitter for more information.

MI Breakfast: The Smoothie Way Grant

UDIM is taking the lead on expanding the availability of dairy based smoothies in Michigan schools! MI Breakfast: The Smoothie Way Grant offers the essential equipment and marketing materials to middle and high school food service departments to provide students a well-balanced, nutritious meal that follows current food trends. Schools must be enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 and produce meals on site to be eligible. Additional information regarding

this grant and the application is available at: www.milkmeansmore.org/mibreakfast. Applications must be postmarked to UDIM by Friday, June 26, 2015 to be in the running.

Dairy Day at the Capitol

Dairy Day at the Capitol will be held on June 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore, Michigan State University’s mascot Sparty and dairy industry stakeholders as we commemorate Michigan Dairy Foods Awareness Day and June Dairy Month. Enjoy free dairy treats, have your picture taken with Sparty and receive an autograph from Herman Moore. Come celebrate the positive impact of Michigan’s dairy industry, from providing thousands of jobs in our communities to producing fresh, local milk and dairy foods for families to enjoy.

The Dairy Good Cookbook

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) will be releasing The Dairy Good

Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Food from America’s Dairy Farm Families on June 2. The cookbook features 115 recipes from dairy farmers throughout the country and highlights dairy’s unique combination of nutrients and versatility in the kitchen. Look in the Mid-Day Meals section for a delicious clam chowder recipe from MMPA producer Gloria Crandall of Battle Creek, Michigan.

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23517-256-7750 • 800-435-9560 • www.agriking.com

Personalized Service & Solutions

Complete Dairy Nutrition Programs • On-Farm Consultation

Forage, Grain & TMR Analysis • Personalized Feed Rations

Silo-King® Forage & Grain Treatment Programs

Cutting Edge Enzyme Technology

SILO-KING SILO-KING ®

a five star solutionThe Premier Forage and Grain Treatment Program

Lucky Seven for Michigan Livestock ExpoThe Michigan Livestock Expo

(MLE) is poised to break records

for the seventh consecutive

year, with hundreds of young

livestock exhibitors from across

the state all vying for a share

of $20,000 in stockmanship

awards. The 2015 event is

preparing to draw another

field of prime contestants,

ages 8 to 21, to the MSU

Livestock Pavilion July 15-21.

The expo will culminate with

the “Sale-a-bration” auction,

starting at 6 p.m. July 21.

According to MLE manager Ernie Birchmeier, livestock and dairy specialist at Michigan Farm Bureau, the event is rapidly maturing into one of the nation’s premier venues for young exhibitors and their prize animals.

“Every year we grow—more participants and entries, bigger sponsors, more generous buyers,” Birchmeier said. “Best of all, though, is how effective this show is becoming at developing Michigan’s increasingly strong field of young livestock enthusiasts.”

Two or three minutes in the Sale-a-bration auction ring is the culmination of months of hard work. Back home, exhibitors are responsible for grooming, ordering feed and monitoring nutrition and health protocols. They learn about genetics, decision-making and developing physical command and control over animals that are many, many times their size.

Supporting this reservoir of young talent are dozens of generous sponsors who come to every year’s MLE Sale-a-bration auction with their checkbooks in hand.

Buyers at last year’s MLE auction shelled out a record total of more than $230,000, an increase of $30,000 over the previous year. In total, $49,500 was bid on four dairy lots. The three dairy youth exhibitors each received $1,000. The remaining proceeds from the sale of the dairy lots were added to the statewide dairy youth fund of the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund to support scholarships and educational grants for youth in the dairy industry.

34% minimum protein13% maximum crude fiber

4% minimum fat

Valero Meal

16% maximum fiber6% minimum protein

2.1% maximum calcium2% minimum fat

Citrus PulpLow Fat Hominy7% minimum protein7% maximum fiber4% minimum fat

Improve bottom-line $$. Lower feed costs. Maximize production.Ingredients from your trusted source.

Soybean meal, soybean hulls, cereal feed, cottonseed, distillers, gluten, canola meal, beet pulp, wet feeds, and more!

Traditional ZFS® Menu

Zeeland Farm Services, Inc.® MI: 866.888.7082 Fax: 616.772.7067 www.zfsinc.com

Order your MMPA Merchandise

through your milk hauler or call:

duane Farmersupervisor

989-317-8370

toll Free: 877-367-6455

orders (novi): 800-572-5824

then dial 2

Fax:989-317-8372M

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MERCHAnDISE

MMPA Merchandise Product ChangesDISCONTINuED PRODuCT RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT PRODuCT

ProClean II ..................................none currently

Chlorkleen ..................................Principle

Kleen 100 ....................................Conquest

ultraclean Plus .........................Super Klenz

Acid HD ........................................Envirocid Plus

Caustic Booster ........................Stone Remover

(packaging size to be determined)

Al Chlor 10 ..................................Equipment Sanitizer

Io Mix 10 .....................................Optima

Io Mix 4 ........................................Legend

oxycare II ....................................Oxygard

Wintercare ..................................Artec

Chlorfoam ..................................Enforce

(packaging size to be determined)

Dairy equipment Cleaner ....Hc 10

Acid Foam Pulse .......................LC-30

Towel Brite .................................Chore Mate Laundry (100*)

For many years the merchandise warehouse’s cleaners and teat dips have been supplied by two vendors. That situation changed in December with Ecolab’s acquisition of A & L Labs. Since then we have been anticipating changes to our product offerings with some trepidation.

After several months of analysis and review, Ecolab has notified us as to which products will be affected. To accommodate their exclusive A & L Labs dealers, Ecolab has decided to retain certain A & L Lab product labels while replacing the A & L formula with a similar Ecolab formula. This is not an uncommon practice and is used with many products throughout the country to address private label concerns and regional requirements. Since the replacement formulas are Ecolab products we are currently stocking, we have elected to discontinue products that share formulas with Ecolab products.

As stock on the affected products is depleted, we will discontinue the product and replace it with a recommended Ecolab product. We feel having two similar products with two separate labels is unnecessary and takes up valuable warehouse space.

Many of these items are offered in multiple packaging sizes. The affected products are listed to the right. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. As always, please feel free to contact the warehouse with any questions or concerns.

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PREMIUMS

Chemical, Sanitizer

and Teat Dip

Contact Information

These are service personnel only. Order your Member Merchandise

supplies through your hauler.

ECOLAB24 - Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-328-0026 For Service, call the

Ecolab Service Message Center 1-800-392-3392

orStan Palmer

5303 E. Swan Drive #3Port Clinton, OH 43452

419-797-2101

Ben Johnson4461 Cambridge Dr.

Port Huron, MI 48060810-824-0636

Jason Koerth7509 Aborcrest Dr.Portage, MI 49024

269-207-3773

Pat Mitchell7273 N. Rollin Hwy.Addison, MI 49220

517-403-0928

A & L Laboratories24 - Hour Medical Emergency

Hotline: 1-800-424-9300

Jeff TimmNW 8665 C.R. M

Shawano, WI 54166612-840-0555

All tests must be scheduled through your MMPA member representative or the laboratory for proper sample submission protocol.

Somatic Cell Count premiums and deductions (in addition to Federal Order SCC Adjustments computed in the producer pay price) will be paid at the following levels:

50,000 or below ................................+55¢/cwt.

51,000-75,000 ....................................+50¢/cwt.

76,000-100,000 ..................................+45¢/cwt.

101,000-125,000 ...............................+40¢/cwt.

126,000-150,000 ...............................+35¢/cwt.

151,000-175,000 ...............................+30¢/cwt.

176,000-200,000 ...............................+25¢/cwt.

201,000-225,000 ...............................+20¢/cwt.

226,000-250,000 ...............................+15¢/cwt.

251,000-300,000 ...............................+00¢/cwt.

301,000-400,000 ............................... - 30¢/cwt.

401,000-500,000 .............................-$1.00/cwt.

501,000-600,000 .............................-$1.50/cwt.

601,000 and greater ......................-$2.00/cwt.

A payment of 5¢/cwt. will be added for each of the following, if the count is equal to or below:

•10,000RawBacteriaCount

•20,000Pre-Incubated(PI)Count

MMPA Quality Premium Program

MMPA Member Testing FeesPayment for testing will be made through an automatic milk check deduction. All costs are listed per individual sample.

Cow Tests: $1

Cow samples June be tested for:Culture for Streptococcus agalactiae, Strep non ag, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative staph, gram negative and/or SCC.

Additional testing can be coordinated through your MMPA member representative to include: Raw bacteria count and components.All herd tests must be scheduled with the laboratory through your MMPA member representative.

There will be a deduction of 10¢/cwt. for:• Greaterthan100,000Raw Bacteria Count

A high raw count deduction will be waived if the producer has received the quality premium the previous three months for raw bacteria count.

To qualify for Raw and PI Bacteria Count premiums there must not be any of the following during the month:• Positivedrugresidue• Abnormalfreezepoints• Highloadcountshipmentor rejected load shipment• #3or#4sediment• RawBacteriacountover100,000

The count levels for raw and PI will be determined on one test run per month.

To qualify for MMPA sCC premiums there must be:• Noabnormalfreezepoints during the month

To qualify for MMPA volume premiums there must be:• Noabnormalfreezepoints during the month• Anaveragesomaticcellcount of 750,000 or less

Additional Tests Available: All costs are listed per individual sample. • MycoplasmaCultures .................... $12• BacteriologyCultures .................... $13

– Includes identification of bacteria and drug susceptibility.

• BovineViralDiarrhea - PCR .................................................... $40 - ELISA ................................................. $6• Johne’sMilkTest - PCR .................................................... $40 - ELISA – cows ................................... $6 - ELISA – tank .................................... $10• BovineLeukosisTest - ELISA – cows ................................... $6 - ELISA – tank .................................... $10• MilkPregnancyELISA .................... $4.50

lab test results by mail: $2/month

BullsRegistered Holstein Bulls: We now have a nice selection of service age bulls, sired by top AI sires. Green Meadow Farms, Elsie, MI. 989-862-4291 or see our website at www.greenmeadowfarms.com.

Service age Holstein bulls: Call Steve Alexander, 810-622-8548 evenings or 810-404-8548.

Service age Reg. Holstein bulls: Deep pedigrees, some red carriers. Jenesis Genetics, 231-924-6163 or 231-225-8615.

Reg. Holstein breeding bulls: All AI sired from top bulls, b&w, red, red carrier and some polled, high production, low SCC herd. Bulls are priced to sell. Ver Hage Holsteins, 269-673-4886 or 269-217-6076, ask for Tim. www.verhageholsteins.com.

Service Age Bulls: AI sired Red & White and Black & White Holstein bulls out of high butterfat and protein dams. Also Jersey and Holstein x bred bulls. Jerry Good 616-262-6904.

Service Age Holstein Bulls, Black & White, Red & White, calving ease, high components. Wardin Bros. 989-642-3262.

Equipment2 Diesel Daewoo irrigation engines with 700 gpm caprari pumps. Aprox. 700 hrs on each. Switched to electric. Excellent condition. $11,000 each. 2 Kubota diesel generators 480v 3 phase 25kw. Used to run pivots. Excellent shape. $5,000 each. John Deere diesel 40kw 3 phase standby generator. 208 240 and 480v. 300 hrs. $8,000. 2 Steiner belt feeders 80ft and 100ft. $1,000 each. 2 patz single chain conveyors. 20ft and 30ft. $1,000 and $200. Silo distributor $200. 989-613-0694.

7.5 HP Tuthill Oilless vacuum pump Mod. # 003-22R2 with filter and vacuum regulator $2,500. Zero 600 gal. bulk tank w/5 HP Copeland compressor, washer and extra parts $1,500. 1100 gal Delaval bulk tank w/5HP Copeland compressor w/washer $700. Delaval Milking system – 7 Deltron 200 SC pulsators, large flow claws, Receiver jar and pump, 240’

of 2” milk line, 240’ of 2.5 vacuum line, 22 Dual stall cocks $5,850. Will sell as package or separate. Call Myles at 810-357-8804 or Carl at 810-304-0413.

Schultz corn cultivator, 7 row, 3 pt. hitch. 616-291-4092.

H&S 7 plus 4 forage wagon, 16-ft. 12-ton tandem gear. Case IH 600 forage blower. NH 56 sidebar rake. Pequea hay fluffer. Patz 98B 16-ft. silo unloader. P&D ring drive 20-ft. silo unloader. (3) DV300 milker units. Misc. 1 ½ & 2 inch glass pipeline. 231-893-1594.

International 4800 field cultivator, 32-ft. $8,000 or best offer. Sunflower disk 1231, 21-ft. $7,500 or best offer. 1989 John Deere 4450, clean tractor, everything works. $24,500 or best offer. Call 231-425-6913.

Ford NH versatile bi-directional 9030 tractor with 7414 loader 3 pt. hitch, drawbar both ends. Also 2300 NH 16-ft. sickle hay head and frame for mounting on 9030 or will fit NH 2450 and 2550 windrowers. 906-647-7638.

Dairy EquipmentSunset 1,000 gal. bulk tank with a 4 hp. Tecumseh pressure and tank washer. Surge electrobrain liquid dispensing automatic pipeline washer. Double 10 milk parlor. 2-in. pipeline and 10 milking claws. 989-727-3784. Call and make an offer.

800 gal. Zero bulk tank with5 HP compressor $800.00 has 2 newer agitators. Also 1500 gal.Dari-kool with new 5 HP compressor,new agitator, recording thermometer$7,500.00.  Henke roller blower $1,500.00.  Call 989-302-2299 or 989-585-3642.

used 1500 gal. Delaval milk cooler with washer. Asking $8,000.00 or best offer. Used 42-ft. 6-in. pipe houle pump with fill pipe. Asking $9,500.00 obo. 1 year old 10-ft. Patz feed conveyer. Excellent condition. Asking $1,700.00 firm. Used stationary hoof trimming chute. Asking $2,000.00 obo. McBain, MI. Contact 231-878-6098 or 231-878-6097.

Bou-Matic sort gate with 200 pedometer I.D. collars. Call 231-373-4673.

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Freeliner PolicyThe Freeliners column is open to current MMPA members who wish to advertise—at no charge—goods or services relating directly to their dairy farm operations.• Anitemsubmittedwillbepublished

for no more than two consecutive months (one month, unless otherwise requested). After that, it will be withdrawn.

• Itwillbepublishedagainfornomorethan two consecutive months only if the member resubmits the item by writing or calling the Novi office.

• Referencetoanameofafirmorothercommercial enterprise with which a member is involved will be deleted, with permission of the member.

• Ifthememberdoesnotwishsuchdeletion, he/she June choose to have the item published as a Classified Ad at the regular per-line Classified Ad rate.

• Freelinersmustbereceivedbythe10thof the month preceding the desired month of publication.

Example: To be included in the July issue, the freeliner must be at the MMPA office

by June 10.

www.mimilk.com

To place your ad please call 1-800-572-5824, ext. 202, or fax 248-426-3412, or email your ad to: Muszynski@mimilk.com.

Dairy Farm367.11 acre farm in Cheboygan, Mich. At present it’s a dairy farm, but it can be a place to raise heifers, or beef, etc. 400 free-stall barn, + pother bldg. Think outside the box, how much are you paying per month to have someone raise your short bred heifers, we’re doing 100 right now for $2 a day, do the math, for what it cost you a month to farm them out, you could have a heifer farm of your own at what you’re paying per month for someone else to raise them. 130 acres of alfalfa will be planted this year, 200 ac. of wheat all in for 2015. You can pretty much raise anything up here that you can down state. We rent another 600 acres with highest rent $40 ac. Price is $990,000, and we are ready to make a deal. Call 517-202-9421 or 231-625-2036 to talk and have info and pictures sent.

WantedRegistered Holsteins. Call Brent at 989-551-0681.Small herd of dairy cows. Phone 517-930-6552.Cow size freestalls. Call or text 616-634-2958.

FREELInERS

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PTO and AutomaticStart Generators

1-800-248-8070M-40 South

Hamilton, MI 49419www.hamiltondist.com

CLASSIFIEDS

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BuLLS

A special herd sire or a truck loadof breeder bulls.

Ready to go to work on your farm!

GREEN MEADOW FARMS6400 Hollister Road, elsie, Mi 48831

phone: 989-862-4291

www.greenmeadowfarms.com

oVeR 100 seRVICe Age Bulls FoR youR seleCTIoN! •Siredbythetopsiresfromthe

U.S. and Canada•Fromourtopproductioncows

Classified Ads ($20 per ad up to six lines)All ads must be received by the 10th of the month before the month of desired publication. Send check or money order for $20 for up to 6 lines with your order. MMPA neither sponsors nor endorses products or services advertised in the Messenger. You may submit your ads by:

MAIL: Classified Ads - Michigan Milk Messenger P.O. BOX 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002

EMAIL: Muszynski@mimilk.com FAx: 248-426-3412

FOR SALE: 5000-4000-3000-2500-2000-1500 OH MuELLER LATE MODEL BuLK TANK MILK TANKS, complete, will trade. 800-558-0112.

WANTED TO Buy: uSED BuLK MILK TANKS, 200 gallons & larger, Sunset & Mueller, 800-558-0112.

MICHIGAN CERTIFIED OAT SEED, Spring Barley seed, Roundup Ready II, Liberty Link, and MCIA 2323 soybean seeds. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

DRy HAy & STRAW (large & small square bales) and barley for food. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

JuNE CLOVER SEED. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

ALFALFA HAyLAGE (excellent & fair grades) & corn silage. 989-723-1886 or 989-277-1414.

BARN WHITE WASHING AND CLEANING WITH HIGH PRESSuRE AIR: Serving all Michigan and Indiana. Miller Spray Service, Inc. 574-825-9776.

OPPERMAN GROOVING: We can fix your scabbled floors. Diamond sawed grooves, no hammering or cracking of concrete. No hoof damage. Call Opperman Grooving Inc., Portland. 517-647-7381.

DAVIDSON CEMENT GROOVING, INC: NO water needed. Wider, rougher grooves for better traction. We also offer texturing for your previously grooved floors. Three operators will travel Michigan and other states. No interest payment terms. Est. 1987. Call 800-365-3361.

CONCRETE GROOVING By TRI-STATE SCABBLING, home of the 2” wide groove. Best traction, lowest prices. 800-554-2288. www.tristatescabbling.com

A SuRE WAy TO KEEP yOuR COWS uPRIGHT! Concrete grooving/texturing brings existing grooves back to 100% efficiency and provides high quality traction in new & old concrete, fast service. Blue RIBBoN HooF TRIMMINg, llC. 989-635-1494.

Concrete Groovingand Texturing

Call: Jeff Brisky - Owner

Toll Free: 1-800-294-1202

Cell: 1-716-353-1137

www.mimilk.com

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POLICIES

MMPA Policy on Drug Residue in Milk

MILK ON FARM – DRuG RESIDuE SuSPECTED

If a member suspects milk in the farm bulk tank contains drug residue:

1. Call a MMPA member representative to have the milk in the tank tested. A “hold” must be placed on the tank contents until the test results are known.

OR

2. The member can test the milk on the farm. If dumped, the member must be sure to take the stick reading, record the number of pounds of milk and report the information to their membership representative.

• Ifthetanktestsnegative(nodrugspresent),themilkJunebereleased and shipped.

• Ifthetanktestspositive(drugspresent),themembershiprepresentative will authorize the member to dump the tank of milk. The member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

• IfforanyreasonMMPApersonnelmustpickupsamplesatthe farm for testing three or more times within 12 consecutive months, the member involved will be charged $25 per trip.

MILK SHIPPED — POSITIVE DRuGS CONFIRMED

If a member ships milk from the farm and testing by approved laboratory methods show that the milk contained drug residue, the member will be assessed the penalties imposed by the state regulatory agency and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

If a loss is incurred by MMPA due to the disposal and/or non-marketability of a load of milk or milk products containing drug residue, then the member responsible will be provided an invoice for the entire value of the loss plus transportation and disposal costs as required by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. This invoice June be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

Milk from that member’s farm tank must be tested and found clear of drugs before the next tank of milk can be picked up.

A hauler whose entire load sample shows the presence of drugs will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all show negative.

ALL POSITIVE DRuG RESIDuE SHIPMENTS MuST BE REPORTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCy.

MMPA Milk Quality PolicyQuALITy QuESTIONABLE

When a member suspects that the milk in the farm bulk tank is of poor quality they should call a MMPA member representative who will authorize milk in the tank to be dumped. If the member dumps the milk on their own, they must be sure to take the stick reading and record the number of pounds of milk, and report the information to the member representative.

If the milk is dumped, the member will be paid 75% of the value of the tank of milk involved.*

In order to receive payment for an added water voluntary dump, the member must install a Swingline Safety Switch. The Swingline Safety Switch can be ordered from the Mt. Pleasant warehouse. The MMPA member representative will verify the switch has been installed. Reimbursement for the Swingline Safety Switch and the voluntary dump will then be made to the member.

The member assumes all liability for losses incurred as a result of shipping poor quality or contaminated milk.

MILK SHIPPED – HIGH BACTERIA COuNT

If…1. a load of milk is received (unloaded) at a dairy processing plant

and,2. a sample from the load has a bacteria count of 300,000 or more

and,3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies

the member or members having a bacteria count of 300,000 or more, then the member or members involved will be charged the value of one-half of one day’s production** and will be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums.

* The member will only be paid for two (2) voluntary dumps in a rolling 12 month period.** For members using more than one bulk tank, the assessment will be based on the value of milk in the tank or tanks in violation of the MMPA quality policy.

REJECTED LOAD SHIPMENT

If…1. a load of milk is rejected (not unloaded) at a dairy processing

plant and,

2. the milk cannot be sold through normal Grade A channels for reasons of quality which results in the load being sold or disposed of at a loss to MMPA, and,

3. testing of the individual member samples on that load identifies the member or members that caused the contamination or rejection of the load, then, the member or members responsible will be charged the full value of the loss to MMPA plus transportation and disposal costs, and be disqualified for raw and PI bacteria count premiums except for loads rejected for temperature.

4. MMPA will provide an invoice to the member for the amount of the loss, to be submitted to the member’s insurance carrier. MMPA must receive settlement on the invoice within 90 days of issuance. If settlement is not made within 90 days, the full amount of the invoice will be deducted from the next milk check unless other settlement arrangements are made.

If a member has three or more occurances within 12 consecutive months, that member must appear before the MMPA board of directors to review steps taken on the farm to correct the quality problem which will enable MMPA to continue to market the milk for this member.

HAuLERA hauler whose entire load sample exceeds 300,000 cells per mL bacteria count will be charged the amount of an average shipment on that load if the individual member samples all are less than 100,000. A hauler will be responsible for all costs incurred by MMPA for loads rejected for temperature.

Charges and assessments made under this program will be withheld from milk checks of members or haulers involved.

Statistical Summaryfor Milk Marketed in April 2015

Market Statistics - Mideast Federal Order #33 (pounds)

% This Month year Ago Change

Total Class 1 Sales 511,390,575 511,965,858 -0.11

Total Class 2 Sales 329,148,930 224,443,971 +46.65

Total Class 3 Sales 380,228,115 438,762,990 -13.34

Total Class 4 Sales 271,829,815 245,641,750 +10.66

Total Production 1,492,597,435 1,420,814,569 +5.05

Class 1 Utilization 34.3% 36.0%

Mideast Federal Order #33Total Producers.....................................................................................6,099

Avg. Daily Production per farm .......................................................8,158

Avg. Protein Test ................................................................................. 3.08%

Avg. Butterfat Test ............................................................................. 3.72%

Avg. Oth Solids Test .......................................................................... 5.73%

Avg. SCC - MMPA ............................................................................164,000

Component Pricing Information -Mideast Federal Order #33Protein Price /lb ...............................................................................$2.5551

Butterfat Price /lb ............................................................................$1.8940

Other Solids Price /lb .....................................................................$0.2698

Class III Price @ 3.5% ........................................................................ $15.81

Prod. Price Diff /cwt. - Mich Mkt .................................................. ($0.31)

Uniform Price @ 3.5% ...................................................................... $15.50

SCC Adjustment /cwt /1000 ..................................................... $0.00081

AMS Survey PricesProduct Monthly Avg

Cheese /lb............................................................................................ 1.6122

Butter /lb.............................................................................................. 1.7355

Nonfat Dry Milk /lb........................................................................... 0.9684

Dry Whey /lb ....................................................................................... 0.4610

National Trends(million pounds) 2015 2014 % Change

Production

California 3,600 3,676 -2.1

Wisconsin 2,396 2,303 +4.0

Idaho 1,168 1,141 +2.4

New York 1,157 1,135 +1.9

Pennsylvania 930 905 +2.8

Texas 896 888 +0.9

Michigan 840 789 +6.5

Minnesota 785 764 +2.7

New Mexico 680 690 -1.4

Washington 558 555 +0.5

Ohio 464 459 +1.1

Indiana 336 325 +3.4

*Total U.S. 16,630 16,344 +1.7

*U.S Y-T-D 65,220 64,112 +1.7

* For 23 States

MARKET REPORT

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*If you are unable to reach your assigned member representative, please contact the representatives listed in your area.

MMPA Field Staff*Northwest Area Ben Chapin, Supervisor, Blanchard ......................989-289-0731

Frank Brazeau, Energy Auditor, Oconto, WI ......906-250-0337

Lyndsay Earl, Ludington ...........................................231-519-2455

Sarah Michalek, Portland .........................................248-305-0537

Deb Navarre, Leroy .....................................................248-520-3580

Northeast AreaChristy Dinsmoore, Supervisor& Mastitis Management Specialist, Fairgrove ..248-513-7920

Lindsay Green, Energy Auditor, East Lansing ...989-488-8159

Ashley Herriman, Alpena .........................................269-245-6632

Angie Kirsch, Harbor Beach .....................................231-414-4539

Dirk Okkema, Blanchard ......................................... 248-756-2062

Drew Rupprecht, Clio .................................................269-986-6793

South AreaEd Zuchnik, Supervisor& Energy Auditor, Three Rivers ...............................269-967-7351

Krista Beeker, Topeka, IN ...........................................269-986-6792

Dave Brady, Grass Lake.....517-522-5965 or (c) 517-937-9061

Elyse Martin, Charlotte ..............................................810-701-6460

Joe Packard, Kalamazoo ...........................................248-520-3481

Emily Smith, Bronson .................................................269-535-0822

Other ServicesBulk Tank Calibration

Gary Best, Lapeer ................810-664-4984 or (c) 586-484-9279

Merchandise Coordinator, Energy Auditor

Katie Pierson, Coleman .............................................989-289-9686

Mastitis Management Specialist

Steve Lehman, Ithaca .......989-875-3441 or (c) 989-330-1638

MMPA LabsNovi (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) In Michigan ....................................................................800-572-5824Toll Free............................................................................800-233-2405

Ovid (Daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.) ......................................989-834-2515

Constantine (Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.) .....................800-391-7560

Merchandise - Mt. PleasantDuane Farmer, SupervisorMain Line ...............................................................................989-317-8370Toll Free...................................................................................877-367-6455Orders (Novi) ................................................800-572-5824, then dial 2Fax .............................................................................................989-317-8372

MMPA STAFF

novi HeadquartersMain OfficeLocal line ................................................................... 248-474-6672Toll free ...................................................................... 800-572-5824

General ManagerJoe Diglio .............................................................................. ext. 200

Chief Financial OfficerJosep Barenys ..................................................................... ext. 240

Member ServicesDean Letter .............................................................. 989-289-9251

Milk Sales/DispatchCarl Rasch ............................................................................. ext. 244

Laboratory SupervisorPatti Huttula ........................................................................ ext. 219

Manufactured Product SalesJim Dodson .......................................................................... ext. 229

QualityAmandeep Dhillon ............................................................ ext. 305

Credit/InsuranceCheryl Schmandt ............................................................... ext. 210

Human ResourcesCindy Tilden ......................................................................... ext. 220

Member Relations/Public AffairsSheila Burkhardt ................................................................ ext. 208

Data ProcessingGregory Schulkey .............................................................. ext. 237

Member CommunicationsAlex Schnabelrauch .......................................................... ext. 211Allison Stuby ....................................................................... ext. 296

Manufacturing PlantsConstantineDave Davis, Plant Manager ................................ 269-435-2835

OvidColt Johnson, Plant Manager ........................... 989-834-2221

All bulls except MOONBOY and PETRONE qualify for export to Canada. USDA-CDCB/HA Genomic Evaluation 04/15

Large photo: Wcd-Zbw Supersir Lafemme-ET (GP-83), Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, N.Y., McCullough. Small photos (top to bottom): K-Star Moonboy Halleberi, Koester Dairy, Inc., Dakota, Ill. and Farnear-Tbr-Bh Georgia-ET, Innovative Holstein Genetics LLC, Chebanse, Ill.

Select Sires is the only place to turn for the most elite, proven TPI sires including the breed’s new No. 1, SUPERSIRE! These sires are proven leaders that transmit the total package and improve your herd’s performance. Call your Select Sires representative to place an order today!

Elite GTPI Sires GTPI 7HO11351 SUPERSIRE New +26137HO11314 MOGUL +25327HO11279 MOONBOY New +23967HO11477 MCCUTCHEN New +23797HO10721 BOOKEM +23657HO11123 WRIGHT New +22977HO11207 PUNCH New +22957HO10848 GRAFEETI +22857HO11096 BENATAR New +22717HO10849 SHAMROCK +22587HO11103 MAGNUS +22417HO11169 PETRONE +2241

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